ALBION — The Orleans County Legislature took a firm stand against state-level criminal justice policy during a special meeting on Thursday, formally calling for the repeal of Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent executive order regarding terminated corrections officers. The meeting, which was attended by local law enforcement and corrections officers, was dominated by discussion regarding Resolution No. 114-325. The resolution calls for the immediate reversal of Executive Order No. 47.3, which prohibits counties from hiring individuals terminated by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYS DOCCS) following recent labor strikes. Legislator John Fitzak introduced the resolution, arguing that the safety of corrections officers has been compromised by state legislation, specifically the HALT Act. "Whatever intention there was behind the HALT Act, it has failed miserably and worse than that, it has created unsafe working conditions for Corrections Officers," Fitzak said. Fitzak criticized the Governor for firing approximately 2,000 officers who participated in the strike to protest unsafe conditions. He argued that the executive order banning them from local government employment is not only punitive but damaging to counties like Orleans that are struggling to fill positions. "It is mean-spirited, revengeful, and immoral and, as such, should be immediately repealed," Fitzak said. Chairman Lynne Johnson echoed Fitzak’s sentiments, contrasting the Governor’s treatment of officers with the state’s "Clean Slate Act," which is designed to help criminals find employment after serving their sentences. "Apparently, the Governor feels no such compassion for Corrections Officers," Johnson said. "In taking this action, Governor Hochul is also trying to prevent local governments like Orleans County from hiring these highly qualified Corrections Officers to fill open positions we have at a time when finding people is very challenging." Johnson noted that the county is working with the New York State Association of Counties and county legal counsel to determine the legality of the Governor’s order. Legislator Fred Allport spoke at length regarding the broader challenges facing law enforcement, linking current staffing and safety issues to decades of state policy, including the closure of mental health institutions and the "cashless" bail system. "This is just another step in this State that makes criminals victims," Allport said. "The real victims are inconsequential." Following public discussion, the resolution was adopted with a vote of 6 to 0. Legislator Morgan was absent. In other business, the Legislature addressed local operations and infrastructure. By a vote of 6 to 0, the Legislature approved a new one-year agreement with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) (Resolution No. 113-325). The agreement, retroactive to January 1, 2025, includes a 2% salary increase for employees. County Administrator Welch outlined significant changes to the work schedule included in the new contract. The standard workweek for county employees will move from 35 hours to 37.5 hours. Consequently, starting April 14, 2025, the County Office Building will extend its hours to the public, opening from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Welch noted that the agreement also allows new hires to access benefits such as sick leave, annual leave, and health insurance immediately upon hiring, a change aimed at improving recruitment. Finally, the Legislature authorized Orleans County to act as the lead agency for the "Broadband II" project (Resolution No. 112-325). The project is funded by a grant through the New York State ConnectALL program intended to expand high-speed internet access to underserved areas of the county. As part of the resolution, the Legislature issued a "Negative Declaration" under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR), determining that the infrastructure project will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment.